Mourner attacks partner after alcohol-fuelled wake

Victim suffered black eye in assault

AN argument following an alcohol-fuelled wake led to a black eye for one woman mourner.

Police were called to a couple’s home after a grieving man attacked his partner.

In the dock at West Berkshire Magistrates’ Court was 48-year-old Dave Curran.

Helen Waite, prosecuting on Thursday, April 28, said: “He and his partner, Tracey Chapman, had been to a mass for his cousin and then to an Irish club for the wake, where they both consumed a fair amount of alcohol before leaving at 2am.”

As they arrived by taxi at their home in Theale Road, Burghfield, the court heard, an argument broke out after Ms Chapman accused Mr Curran of flirting with young women at the wake.

Ms Waite said: “He went inside and locked her out. A short while later he came out and threw over a wrought iron garden table in his temper.

“He then slapped her face, causing a black eye, before going back inside.”

Ms Chapman said in a victim impact statement: “It left me emotionally drained. I felt worthless and very sad. He has no respect for me or my belongings.”

Mr Curran, who currently lives at Thornbridge Road, Reading, admitted assaulting Ms Chapman by beating her on April 10.

He has previously been cautioned for an offence of battery against Ms Chapman, the court heard.

Ms Waite asked the court to consider imposing a restraining order on Mr Curran.

But Mike Davis, defending, said the couple were now reconciled.

He added: “He is genuinely upset and remorseful. Both parties had had a lot to drink and she accepts she provoked the argument by accusing him of spending too much time with girls at the bar.

“He was deeply devastated when he saw the injuries he had caused to her eye.”

District judge Davinder Lachhar ordered pre-sentence reports.

Mr Curran was meanwhile released on bail.